Giro organizer unhappy with Vingegaard and co after Milan stage: "Riders went too far"

The fifteenth stage of the Giro d'Italia was eventful in many ways. There was not only criticism about the alleged influence of motors on the race outcome, but during the stage the jury also decided to intervene after complaints from several riders, much to the displeasure of organizer RCS Sport.

"I think the riders went too far with what was said," expressed RCS Sport CEO Paolo Bellino a day later in La Gazzetta dello Sport, showing his frustration. "The final circuit in Milan was beautiful, very well designed, and not dangerous."

"We really inspected every meter and could fully guarantee the safety of the riders. It is my personal opinion, but we could have also stopped the general classification times five kilometers from the finish."

During the stage towards Milan, however, times were already recorded upon entering the final lap, 15.9 kilometers from the finish. This decision was made because the final circuit in Milan was considered (too) dangerous. The measure was taken after top riders such as Giulio Ciccone and pink jersey holder Jonas Vingegaard lodged complaints with the race direction.

Vingegaard's Response
"We riders all felt this might not be the safest course to race on. That is why we talked a lot with each other in the peloton, and I spoke with many riders," Vingegaard explained afterwards to Cycling Pro Net. "There were many holes in the road and various bumps and manhole covers. Honestly, there was hardly a moment when I felt safe enough."

"We agreed that we needed to take action. So I went to the team car and today they really listened to us. They also accommodated us. I think that as riders, we should thank the jury for that."